Tag Archives: Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

  Chris Van Heerden brings “The Heat” & slays “The Dragon” To win 10-round majority decision over Steve Claggett

For Immediate Release
 
“Knockout Night at the D” Results
(L-R) — Steve Claggett & Chris Van Heerden
(All pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions)
LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2016) – Former IBO World welterweight champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden put himself back into title contention position, winning a 10-round majority decision over Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in this evening’s main event, under the neon lights at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC) outdoor venue.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, which airs live on CBS Sports Network, is presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC), promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and returns Saturday evening, May 21.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica, California by way of South Africa, used his 3-inch height advantage against Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), the Canadian champion from Calgary, Alberta.
Neither fighter was hurt during the fight, in which there were continual back-and-forth exchanges of stinging combinations.  Claggett battled to apply pressure in order to fight on the inside, while Van Heerden fought effectively from the outside.
The two evenly-matched welterweights patiently waited for the official announcement:  95-95 and 97-93 twice for Van Heerden.
“I knew I won this fight, 120-percent, but I knew it was close,” Van Heerden commented.  “We’re both winners tonight because of it was so close and we entertained the crowd.  Me and Claggett entertained the crowd…..we delivered.  I’ve been through so much and the lord helped me get this win.  I look forward to a rematch, but I want to move forward.”
Undefeated California junior middleweight Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs) had a lot to crow about in the 8-round co-feature against Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce, Jr.(10-3, 8 KOs).  Macias thoroughly dominated the action, firing non-stop shots from every conceivable angle.  His unrelenting pressure enabled Macias, whose come-forward approach made him an instant fan favorite, to control the fight from start to finish for a unanimous decision.
“I knew he was going to be the toughest fighter I’ve fought,” Macias said.  “I give Ponce much respect.   We wanted to give fans a good show.”
Baltimore welterweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs) gave Errol “Spyda” Sidney (6-2-2, 2 KOs) a beating, fully displaying his arsenal of punches, hurting his gutsy opponent on several occasions. Hawkins’ aggressive style early in the fight broke-down Sidney, who was nearly finished at the end of the fourth and fifth rounds.  Hawkins trapped Sidney a neutral corner at the start of the sixth round and a powerful uppercut sent Sidney down to a knee.  Sidney beat referee Jay Nady‘s count but the veteran official had seen enough and he halted the bout 1:02 into the sixth.
“We’re back,” Hawkins proclaimed after the bout.  I’d give myself an 8 ½ this fight.”
Las Vegas’ promising prospect Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO) outclassed Oregon junior lightweight Derek Barthemay (0-3) from the opening bell for a 4-round unanimous decision.
Flashy Las Vegas welterweight prospect Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs) constantly pounded the body of his tough Mexican opponent, Jason “Gibbor” Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), for a 4-round shutout victory,
Las Vegas’ Sal Lopez (2-0) dropped a game Matt “The KO Kid” Murphy (0-2), a junior lightweight from St. Louis, in the opening round on his way to an impressive one-sided win by way of a unanimous 4-round decision.
Complete results and more pictures of main event below:
 
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (12-0, 4 KOs), Palm Desert, California.
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 79-73)
Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-3, 8 KOs), Rock Island, Illinois
WELTERWEIGHTS
Chris Van Heerden (24-2-1, 12 KOs), Santa Monica, California
WDEC10 (97-93, 97-93, 95-95)
Steve Claggett (23-4, 16 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Malik Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs), Baltimore, Maryland
WTKO6 (1:02)
Errol Sidney, Jr. (6-2-2, 2 KOs), New Orleans, Louisiana
Jeremy Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-35)
Jason Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Derek Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oregon
Sal Lopez (3-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Derick Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oreon
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)
For More Information:
“Knockout Night at the D”: Bob Trieger, (978) 590-0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and the D Las Vegas:  Kara Rutkin / Alaina Curry, Kirvin Doak Communications, (702) 737-3100, krutkin@kirvindoak.com /acurry@kirvindoak.com
Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Lisa Veltre, (702) 522-1636,lisa@royjonesjrboxing.com

“Knockout Night at the D” Undercard Announced  

 
This Saturday night live on
CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

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LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2016) – An solid undercard showcasing promising prospects has been announced for this Saturday night’s “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) and former IBO champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs),, fighting out of his native South Africa by way of Santa Monica, California, square off in 12-round main event.
Saturday’s “Knockout Night at the D” event will air (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Undefeated California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) faces former Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.
A Baltimore welterweight, undefeated Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), is in the first televised bout in a six-rounder versus New Orleans’ Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs). Jones signed Hawkins to a promotional contract after watching the youngster spar impressively, displaying tremendous power.
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round fights are flashy Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Mexican invaderJason Gavino (3-1, 2 KOs), slick Las Vegas featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) vs. TBA, dangerous Las Vegas junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Derek Barthemay (0-2), of Eugene, Oregon, and Los Angeles heavyweight Jonathan “Johnnie” Rice (3-1-1, 3 KOs) vs. Antonio Robertson (4-5-1, 2 KOs), of Alexandria, Virginia.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
“BATTLE BORN BOXING: THE UPRISING” – Friday, April 15, 2016
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, will take place this Friday night (Apr. 15), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events.
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)

“The Heat” is on! Chris Van Heeden vs. Steve Claggett    Apr. 16 live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

For Immediate Release

 

LAS VEGAS (April 7, 2016) – South African welterweight Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden is on a mission to torch his Canadian opponent  Steve “The Dragon” Claggett, in their 12-round main event, headlining “Knockout Night at the D”.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturdaynight, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
During his 10-year professional career, Van Heerden has defeated quality opponents such as Ramon Avila, Cecil McCalla, Ray Narh, Cosme Rivera,Mathew Hilton, and Sebastian Andres Lujan.
“A win over Claggett will put my career right back to where we need it to be,” Van Heerden said.  “Winning this fight is my only option!  I’m predicting a win, nothing less.  Fans watching me fight for the first time can expect to watch a fighter with speed and footwork.  I’m a winner who is going to win this fight no matter what.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  “Claggett’s strength is his comin’ forward aggression and that’s how he’s got most of his opponents to give up,” Van Heerden noted.  “I know I’ve faced guys with more power.  I’m expecting a hard fight, nothing easy, and it will be entertaining.”
The 28-year-old Van Heerden moved to Santa Monica two years ago after he wiped out the top South African fighters in his weight class.  He has the strong support of actor Frank Grillo, who has appeared in numerous movies, includingWarrior, The Grey, End of Watch, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Purge: Anarchy.
“Frank Grillo is like a father/brother figure to me and he has been since I met him,” Van Heerden explained their relationship.  He motivates me on a daily basis.  I’m blessed to be around him.”
Unbeaten California welterweight prospect Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Lancaster, CA, takes on Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Undefeated welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), of Baltimore, meets Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)

“The Dragon” to be unleashed April 16th    Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2016) – The April 16th10-round main event between Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett and South Africa-native Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden embodies the “Knockout Night at the D” philosophy in terms of featuring  action fighters in evenly matched, entertaining bouts.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas andDowntown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday night, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
The broadcast team includes Jim “JR” Ross, Sean Wheelock and former world champion Kevin “The Flushing Flash” Kelley. Joe Martinez is the ring announcer.
Claggett vs. Van Heerden is a crossroads fight for both boxers with critical consequences, especially for the winner who will use it as an invaluable springboard for his boxing career.
The 26-year-old Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), who is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion, is thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time.  “It’s a dream come true,” he explained.  “I’ve trained in Las Vegas often but now it’s time to show what I can do there in a fight.  A win will open many doors for me and could potentially lead to a path that will set up the rest of my boxing life.  Needless to say, I am focused and prepared for the opportunity.”
VIDEO PROMO LINK:
Claggett, as well as Van Heerden, are known as high-action fighters, throwing punches in bunches, and something eventually has to give.  Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
“Van Heerden is a rangy, quick and active fighter,” Claggett said.  “I have an action style but, for many years, I was strictly a pressure fighter with a good body shot.  Nowadays, though, I have a couple of more tricks up my sleeve.  His heart and durability have been shown and is to be respected.  This match-up is sure to produce some good exchanges.  I expect this to be a high-action fight between two hungry fighters with him coming off a loss (to unbeaten rising star Errol Spence Jr. last September) and me coming off more than one fight falling through.  This is a great match up.  He is similar to the style of (Konstantin)Ponomarev (who Claggett lost an 8-round decision to last year) with range and movement.  And that motivates me!”
Undefeated Lancaster, California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) meets Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins(6-0, 5 KOs) faces Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins)

Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions Brings “The Dragon” & “The Heat” to April 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event

 
 Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

LAS VEGAS (March 28, 2016) – the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media, announced today that Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is the licensed promoter of record for the 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” boxing series to be held at the DLVEC.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday night, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from the DLVEC outdoor venue in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas.
RJJ promises fans in attendance and those watching live on CBS Sports Network will feel the heat of the 10-round main event as “The Dragon,” Steve Claggett, battles “The Heat,” Chris Van Heerden, in a fan-friendly welterweight showdown.
“We are truly passionate about bringing outdoor boxing back to Las Vegas and are excited to work with Roy Jones Jr. to showcase local fighters and give them an amazing platform at ,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC. “We feel this fight series will become a major event in the city’s boxing scene, as it will bring together world-class athletes, local businesses and fans from near and far.”
“Anytime I have the opportunity to showcase my fighters in Las Vegas and put on a show is a win-win for me and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions,” commented Roy Jones Jr., Co-Founder of RJJ.  “Las Vegas has helped make my career what it is today; it feels like home to me. ‘Knockout Night at the D’ is going to be a spectacular night for boxing and the fans. Downtown Las Vegas Event Center is an outstanding venue for boxing fans… there isn’t a bad seat in the house!”
“I’m honored to work with such a reputable venue such as the Downtown Las Vegas Center,” remarked Keith Veltre, CEO / Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Promotions. “This venue is exactly what the boxing community needs to spark the excitement of boxing that ‘Knockout Night at the D’ will deliver. The team has been very accommodating to RJJ and it is a pleasure to work with a class act. We are happy to call the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center home to RJJ.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), 26, is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  As an amateur in Calgary, he captured four Alberta Championships and three Golden Gloves titles, all prior to his 18th birthday.
South African-native Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.  (Van Heerden is pictured to the left.)
The 8-round co-feature matches undefeated Lancaster, California Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) against Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois.  Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in a 4-round bout.
The remainder of the undercard features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), junior featherweight Sal Perez (2-0) and bantamweight Sergio Lopez (2-3, 1 KO).  Nichols (pictured to the left) gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for his mega-fight versus Manny Pacquiao.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce)